Imagine you're a tree...

The ever so often constant hustle and bustle benefits from grounding yourself, just like a tree with its roots firmly planted in the earth. I recently stumbled upon a thought-provoking article that ended with the powerful line: "I called to mind a tree, rooted my feet into the ground, and put my hands to work." Which eloquently leads to my introduction of "The Tree Model."

At GIG Design, we believe in the utility of a mighty metaphor. That's why we've crafted "The Tree Model," a practice that helps our clients chart a course from goals and desire to planning and action. Inspired by the structure and wisdom of trees, this simple yet impactful tool takes your sketch of a tree, and let its elements be your guide.

First, you anchor your identity with the roots, which represent your core values. The trunk signifies your identity, the branches denote your behaviors, and the limbs symbolize actionable tasks. Just as a tree's roots provide stability, your values stabilize your identity, behaviors, and actions. Interestingly, when you feel ambivalence or resistance, it might stem from actions misaligned with your values.

Economists studies argue the distinction between lifespan and healthspan. While lifespan refers to the total years we live, healthspan relates to the years spent in good health. This is where your values step in, playing a pivotal role by elongating your healthspan. Fostering congruence between your actions and your values is a valuable component to living your term of a high-quality life.

Let's take a moment to reflect: When was the last time you found yourself thinking you "should" do something? Pause and consider your personal values. Which values seemed to clash in that situation? How might they already be harmoniously aligned? How could you nudge them into even better harmony - perhaps through a creative approach, an environmental shift, or by experimenting with a new practice?

If you're open to sharing your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you!

For those intrigued about this notion of a greater quality of life by living your values, I’ve got you covered. James Clear offers enlightening insights, Brene Brown guides you through an activity, and Seth Godin wraps it up with a brilliant sound bite.